E/CN.4/2000/82 page 11 VI. OBSERVATIONS A. Discrimination and intolerance 44. In the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, there has a been an alarming upsurge in intolerance, discrimination, racism and xenophobia in the form of outright violence against migrants in practically every region in the world. 45. As stated in working paper E/CN.4/AC.46/1998/5, “One of the most relevant factors which led the Commission on Human Rights to create the working group on international migrations and human rights was: ‘the increasing manifestations of racism, xenophobia and other forms of discrimination and inhuman and degrading treatment against migrants in different parts of the world’ (resolution 1997/15).”8 46. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance may be aggravated by, inter alia, inequitable distribution of wealth, marginalization and social exclusion. New communication technologies, including such computer networks as the Internet, are being used to disseminate racist and xenophobic propaganda. Racial discrimination against migrant workers continues to increase despite efforts undertaken by the international community to protect the human rights of migrant workers and members of their families (see General Assembly resolution 53/132). 47. The Special Rapporteur believes that the core of the problem lies in everyday customs, which is where the primary manifestations take place and where they are the most ingrained. Such customs are linked to a number of forms of behaviour that must be rooted out by taking specific and determined action to promote human rights and democracy. 48. A sense of alienation is part of being a migrant. Moreover, racial and ethnic conflicts were often at the origin of the great migrations of our era. Migrant populations who suffer from such violations do not necessarily have the status of a non-national and persons engaging in discriminatory acts are generally unaware of the migrant status of their victims. 49. Only in a few cases, where other more political and military considerations are involved, do such racial and ethnic conflicts lead to armed conflicts. Where that has not happened, migrant populations within and outside their own countries also suffer from discrimination and racism.9 This aspect of intolerance at the origin, in transit and at the destination of migrants is an important point where the issues related to racial discrimination and ethnic conflicts intersect with those related to movements of people. 50. The implications of this link between migration, racial discrimination and ethnic conflicts are even more disturbing when it comes to the problem of the return and reintegration of migrants who may have been sent back because they were undocumented in their “desired” destinations. In addition to the issues raised by the right to development of these people, they have to face the consequences of the cultural and psychological effects of returning. 51. Discrimination against migrant workers in the field of employment takes many forms, such as limitations or preferences with regard to the kind of work they can do. Some contracts